The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has issued fresh directives to his supporters, warning against public attacks, unauthorised statements and actions he said could worsen his detention conditions and undermine the broader struggle.
The directives were conveyed on Sunday by two of his lawyers, Nnaemeka Ejiofor and Patrick Agazie, following an official visit to Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre in Sokoto State.
Speaking in a recorded message, Ejiofor said Kanu directed that no one should criticise the IPOB Directorate of State (DOS), describing it as his own structure which must be respected by all supporters. He also instructed that affiliated groups, including AVID, the Rising Sun and the Ambassadors of the Third Nation, be accorded due respect.
Kanu further warned that attacks on the DOS, the named groups, specific individuals he identified as close associates—Dr. Sylvester Onye, Evans Nwankwo and Maxwell Dede—or members of his family would be regarded as a personal attack on him, with consequences.
According to his lawyer, Kanu called for unity and restraint among supporters, describing the period as critical for consolidating efforts. He acknowledged the contributions of other pro-Biafra groups and individuals, noting that their efforts were recognised and appreciated.
Kanu also directed that visitors to him should no longer make public statements or broadcasts about meetings held during detention. Ejiofor said any message from Kanu would be communicated directly to those concerned, adding that only his lawyers or persons he specifically authorises are permitted to speak publicly about his condition or case.
The IPOB leader dismissed claims that visits to him were monetised, stating that no one pays to see him and that all visits follow established administrative procedures at the correctional facility. Ejiofor explained that visitors are required to present valid identification, passport photographs and complete screening forms for approval.
He challenged those alleging extortion over visits to state publicly how much they claimed to have paid, describing such allegations as false.
Agazie, speaking separately, said Kanu ordered a woman identified as Lolo Nneka Chimezie to stop making public statements about him, his detention or his case, stressing that she had not been authorised to speak on his behalf.
He also denied claims that Kanu’s family or his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, had turned visitations into a transactional process, saying Kanu personally investigated the allegations and found them to be unfounded.
Kanu is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Nigerian government, which he has consistently denied. His continued detention and trial have remained a subject of controversy and have fuelled internal tensions among pro-Biafra groups as well as international attention.
